Well, I just had another birthday-- the big 44. With every birthday, I reflect on situations that I've overcome-- when times were tough. I focus on these times because I am able to more clearly see my accomplishments, my character, and the man I am.
I am thankful for the hard times-- and you should be thankful too. Sure they suck when you’re going through them, but when you look back at these challenges, overcoming them makes you feel successful.
When I think of my struggles, I realize that choosing the hard way was the foundation of my life. From the beginning, my parents even chose to take the hard path rather than the easy way out as they got pregnant with me when they were teenagers. They could have gotten rid of me, but thankfully they didn’t.
I am the most proud of how I have handled challenging times throughout my life. I am proud that I've sought help by going to therapy. I'm proud that I quit chewing tobacco. I am proud of how I dealt with my abusive stepfathers. I am proud of overcoming alcohol abuse as well as bankruptcy. I am proud of how I can stand up for myself and say ‘no’ after a period of not being able to. I am proud of how I've gotten
toxic people out of my life-- that I know that I deserve better.
Yes, I am proud of all these obstacles that I have overcome. At the end of the day, what matters is how I've managed the darkness and not allowed life take me down. No matter what life throws at you, remember this: it is temporary, and how you choose to move forward ultimately determines the man you truly are.
You are defined by how you handle yourself during difficult situations. Don’t give up during trying times and don’t run from the pain. Embrace it and manage the adversity like a man. It sucks, but you can do it.
The reality is that life is not a flat line, and our lives have cycles, seasons, and motion. Without motion, life stops. Think about it: water stagnates, wind doesn't blow, rain doesn't fall, and the seasons disappear.
Our lives are a series of ups and downs, highs and lows, happiness and sadness, and even some boring times mixed in. Without the downs, how would you recognize the ups. Sure, we don't want to have these difficult times, but without them, we don't and won't grow as humans.
I am proud that I can call you friend, and I thank you for being part of my journey and struggle. I wouldn’t be this happy, fulfilled, and content without you-- I am a better person because of you. I appreciate you for being my friend, for all the kind comments, and for the continued support.
At 44 years old, I have WAY more than just 44 things to be thankful for on my birthday. Thank YOU!
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